Núñez shines in Barcelona win

Juan Núñez scored 23 points in Barcelona's 99-81 victory over Casademont Saragosse in Liga Endesa, earning him the best player of the match honor. The 22-year-old Spanish point guard recorded 22 evaluation points in 17 minutes and 55 seconds, his highest total in Liga Endesa.

Núñez's performance details

Núñez made 7 of his 9 two-point shots, 2 of his 3 three-point attempts, and 3 of his 7 free throws. Barcelona improved to three wins and two losses, matching Saragosse's record, which had only previously lost to Valencia before facing Barcelona in Catalonia.

Coach praises Núñez's effort

Slovenian coach Aleksander Sekulic, who arrived on the Catalan bench this season, praised Núñez's performance in a press conference, stating, "I am very happy with his performance. It is not easy for him. At this level, in this team, you have to be consistent. Offensively and defensively, he brings a lot to the team and he was probably the best player in the game."

Núñez's career path

Núñez, trained at Real Madrid and having previously played for ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, joined Barcelona in 2024 after the Catalan club paid over 300,000 euros to Real Madrid to release him from his right of first refusal. His NBA rights belong to the San Antonio Spurs.

Núñez's injury challenges

Núñez was revealed at 19 years old during the 2023 World Cup but was later hindered by knee injuries and surgery that ended his Euroleague season. In the European competition this season, he played only two of the seven Barcelona matches, including 10 minutes and 52 seconds against Zalgiris Kaunas on October 9 (4 points, 3 rebounds).

Brizuela returns with impact

Dario Brizuela, returning to competition after an injury, scored 14 points in less than 15 minutes, making 4 of 5 three-point shots. Sekulic commented on Brizuela's return, saying, "Dario was Dario, he brought a lot of energy, precision, and positive attitude. He prepared all week to return in the best conditions. He wanted to come back and he helped us a lot."

Barcelona's supporting cast

Olivier Nkamhoua added 14 points, Joshua Nebo 12, and Justin Minaya 9. Joel Parra and Justin Robinson did not play. Barcelona made 15 of their 28 three-point shots (54 %). Sekulic noted, "Obviously, everything is easier when the shots go in, but you also have to look at how these shots came. If they are open and come from good ball movement, you also have to give them importance."

Saragosse's top scorers

On the Aragonese side, Abodunrin Olaseni was the top scorer with 18 points, ahead of Nicolás Brussino (15 points). Caleb Homesley played only two minutes and Trae Bell-Haynes was not on the match sheet.

Barcelona's upcoming schedule

Barcelona, who had lost heavily to Badalone on the previous Sunday before defeating Milan in the Euroleague, will continue with a road game against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, October 27, and then host Valencia on Friday, October 30, two Euroleague matches.